35 per cent drop in Abu Dhabi road fatalities in the last five years

Published On:

Sun, 08/03/2015 - 16:23

Reported by:

Staff

Source:

Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi’s road safety record continues to improve, with a 35 per cent decrease in road fatalities in the last five years (2010-15), according to the statistics released by the police.
The official numbers released on Saturday by the Traffic and Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police, also showed a 54 per cent reduction in fatalities caused by run-over accidents. Serious injuries related to traffic accidents were also reduced by 50 per cent. Fatalities linked to traffic accidents was also down by 59 per cent per 100,000 residents, even though there was an increase of 12 per cent in registered vehicles.

Speaking on the improved safety record, Brigadier Hussain Ahmad Al Harithi, Director of Traffic and Patrols Directorate, attributed the drop in numbers to a long-term plan that was initiated and developed in 2010, focusing on several aspects in improving road safety. He went on to say that the diligent efforts of the Traffic and Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police has consistently seen improved results annually, with an eight per cent decrease in traffic accidents, a seven per cent decrease in fatalities, a 10 per cent decrease in serious injuries, and an 11 per cent decrease in pedestrian deaths.
According to Al Harithi, the second phase of the long term plan has also been initiated, with six key points to be implemented over the next five years, called the 6E+I which aims to decrease traffic fatalities by three per cent per 100,000 inhabitants by 2021.

He also spoke of the new projects that is to be launched, such as the smart traffic system centre, saying. “In the coming period, we will be launching the smart traffic systems’ centre at the Traffic and Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police, which is equipped with advanced software that operates as an integrated system to manage traffic practices. The integrated system also monitors and evaluates traffic flow on roads in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the performance of the directorate’s staff members, and increases the efficiency of the human resources.”
According to Al Harithi, the system will also be powered and operated by artificial intelligence. “The centre is powered by artificial intelligence, and has the ability to connect several traffic systems, it will achieve integration in the evaluation and analysis of the systems and can completely restructure traffic. The centre monitors traffic flow at all times through the control rooms that are equipped with the latest technologies, thus solving issues related to traffic congestion.”
He also spoke on another project currently being operated, the smart cabins project, which can sense the traffic conditions of the road and go on to give warnings and advice, he said. “The cabins can remotely sense the traffic conditions on the road and transmit messages of guidance or warning in regard to any accidents or congestion on the road. The sensors have the ability to measure visibility distance that drivers may be exposed to during foggy conditions or sand storms. This project represents an important step in enhancing the ongoing communication with drivers via large electronic boards on the external roads of Abu Dhabi.”

All the Forum Topics and Comments are owned by the poster; Abu Dhabi Living Admins are not responsible for any of the posted information or views. We wish everyone to enjoy Abu Dhabi Living by sharing information and discussions. For any help or suggestion please click here.